The SHL often features a plethora of NHL-drafted forwards who play an important role for their team. This year, two of those forwards, namely Andreas Johnson (TOR) and Lucas Wallmark (CAR), have been absolutely key contributors. Johnson actually finished sixth overall in league scoring and continued adding to his point collection in the playoffs. The playoffs also were a showcase for Wallmark who, after just eight goals in the regular season, scored seven in nine postseason contests. Read more»

Photo: Moose Jaw Warriors forward and Florida Panthers prospect Dryden Hunt has completed his WHL career having posted 249 points in 269 regular season games (courtesy of Derek Leung/Getty Images)

Many of the WHL’s top players achieve success due in part to their versatility, as most forwards will take a shift from time to time at the center position. But for this article, we are ranking wingers in the Western Hockey League, based on those that have been drafted and/or signed by National Hockey League teams. Read more»

It seems like just yesterday that we were talking about October/November, and the first On the Rush of the 2015-16 campaign was being put together. Alas, here we are in April with many teams and players done for the season. It has been another phenomenal year across the hockey world, and every year we are left with no shortage of players who surpass expectations and those that fall short. Read more»

Photo: Hartford Wolf Pack defenseman and New York Rangers prospect Ryan Graves, shown here in 2015 preseason action with the Rangers, competed at the 2015 Memorial Cup Tournament with the Quebec Remparts before turning pro (courtesy of Gavin Baker/Icon Sportswire)

As April approaches and the final three weekends of the 2015-16 regular season play out, the Hartford Wolf Pack find themselves just two points out of the final playoff spot in the AHL’s Eastern Conference. Despite going 22-12-1-0 since the beginning of the 2016 calendar year, however, the New York Rangers’ AHL affiliate still find themselves one win away from being in a playoff position. Read more»

Photo: CSKA Moscow goaltender and New York Islanders prospect Ilya Sorokin turned in a strong 2015-16 regular season, and has duplicated that effort in the KHL playoffs with a 1.17 goals-against and .949 save percentage (courtesy of Steve Russell/Toronto Star via Getty Images)

In recent years, Russia has become a better producer of quality goaltenders. Proof of that is the number of NHL-drafted netminders competing in the KHL and minor leagues, which is in a modest growth trend. Many young, Russian goalies are experiencing an upward career progression, and almost all the goaltenders drafted in the last few years have an excellent chance of becoming solid NHL players, with the exception of Sergei Kostenko, who was a seventh round pick of the Washington Capitals in 2012. Read more»